Southern Ocean Walk

02/06/2026

Did you know that patients recovering in hospital rooms with views of nature have been shown to require fewer pain medications and experience shorter recovery times than those whose windows faced a brick wall?

Research continues to show that time spent in nature can reduce stress, improve wellbeing and even support cognitive function.

In his latest blog, our tour guide Barry explores the growing body of evidence behind nature’s restorative power, and why walking through wild places can leave us feeling calmer, clearer and more energised.

Over four days on the Southern Ocean Walk, guests trade screens and schedules for stunning coastlines, native bushland, and the simple rhythm of placing one foot in front of the other.

Read the full article here: southernoceanwalk.com.au/the-power-of-nature

❄️ LAST-MINUTE WINTER SPECIAL ❄️

Book with a friend and save $600 on our 20 July departure.

To secure your spot:
📞 (08) 8598 4169
📧 [email protected]

Experience the iconic Southern Ocean Walk, your adventure of Deep Creek National Park and surrounds on the Fleurieu Peninsula starts here.

27/05/2026

It’s peak fungi season in Deep Creek National Park!

Did you know parts of the park are considered fungal hotspots? Scientists believe Deep Creek may support more than 1,500 different fungi species, with many still undocumented.

Here are some of the weird and wonderful varieties spotted along our walks lately.

🍄 Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria). The classic storybook mushroom, famous for its bright red cap and white spots as seen in European folklore. Though beautiful, this introduced species is toxic if ingested. Admire from afar!
📷 Carol Coventry

👑 The Purple Emperor (Cortinarius archeri). This regal little mushroom is native to Australia, appearing in eucalypt forests during the cooler months. Its rich violet caps have a slimy glisten to them, almost as if they’ve been polished for the occasion.
📷 Barry Duykers

🔥 Flame Fungus (Clavulinopsis miniata). These fiery coral fungi grow in clusters around moss and plant litter, seen in striking shades of red, orange and yellow. Not to be confused with Poison Fire Coral – one of the world’s deadliest species – thankfully absent from South Australia!
📷 Barry Duykers

🐝 Wasp Nest Polypore (Hexagonia sp.) A curious bracket fungus dubbed for the intricate honeycomb-like pores beneath its surface. These hard-working fungi help break down fallen timber and return nutrients to the forest ecosystem.
📷 Barry Duykers

🧡 The Scarlet Bracket (Pycnoporus coccineus). This stunning species earned its name for the bright orange shelves it forms along logs and rotting wood. Traditionally, First Nations peoples used this fungus to help treat oral ailments such as ulcers, and as a teething ring to relieve babies’ discomfort. In recent years, modern research has found multiple antibiotic compounds within the species.
📷 Gabrielle Duykers

Our tour guide Barry is a self-confessed fungi nut and knows exactly where to spot Deep Creek’s weird and wonderful species. Join us on the Southern Ocean Walk before the end of July to experience fungi season in full swing! Link in bio.

21/05/2026

Thank you Ang Xinyi for the beautiful words about your recent private tour with us through Deep Creek National Park.

There’s something special about sharing good food, wild coastlines, animated conversation, and tired legs with an intimate group of people for a few days.

Winter walking season is now underway along the Fleurieu Coast until October.

Visit the link in bio to book your spot with Southern Ocean Walk!

16/05/2026

Thank you to photographer for sharing these beautiful shots of Southern Ocean Walk. We’re always reminded of how lucky we are to live and work in this gorgeous part of the world, and we think everyone deserves to experience it too!

📸: Tania Verbeeck

14/05/2026

A winter walk beats the winter blues!

Deep Creek National Park is stunning during the lush season, so why not explore it over four days, spending your evenings by the fireplace, eating gourmet meals and tasting our selection of local wines!

To book this winter deal, contact Barry or Jane on (08) 8598 4169 or email [email protected]

12/05/2026

Why not take some time to rediscover the great outdoors and immerse yourself in nature?

Our walk follows the Wild South Coast Way along the most spectacular coastal sections of the Heysen Trail – Australia’s longest dedicated walking trail.

If you’d like to learn more, visit our website for details and book early to secure your preferred dates. Private group bookings welcome, with special rates available.

Contact Barry or Jane on (08) 8598 4169 or email us at [email protected]

https://southernoceanwalk.com.au

10/05/2026

Why walk with us this winter?

The months of June, July and August offer some of the best opportunities to see our trail in its full splendour.

Surrounded by a lush green scenery that would rival many Northern Hemisphere landscapes (but without the crowds!) you can be assured of spectacular vistas.

Flowing creeks, a cascading waterfall and dense canopies of native forests form the backdrop for your 4-day adventure. Best of all, walking in cool conditions is significantly less taxing on the body with less water needing to be carried, making for a lighter day pack. Furthermore, during the winter months, Deep Creek National Park is a 'hotspot' for fungi - their many shapes, sizes and colours are extraordinary!

If you have always wanted to experience the southern coastal sections of South Australia's Heysen Trail and explore the Fleurieu Peninsula, we still have opportunities for you to join us on our tours departing this winter.

Contact us about these upcoming departure dates:

▪Monday, 29th June
▪Monday, 13th July
▪Monday 27th July

Private group bookings are welcome, with special rates available. Call Barry or Jane on (08) 8598 4169 or email us at [email protected]

Visit our website for more details - https://southernoceanwalk.com.au

07/05/2026

“When is the best time to join you on the Southern Ocean Walk?”

This could be one of our most frequently asked questions. Based on many years of experience, we have limited the walking season to the six months from April to September. That way, guests are ensured optimal walking conditions. Summer is wonderful in Deep Creek National Park, however, the temperatures can be too warm for walking and often the lack of rain makes the landscape quite dry.

This leaves you to choose between autumn, winter or spring. Autumn brings beautiful colours and splendid sunsets. In winter, the scenery slowly transforms into a deep green landscape with magnificent fungi highlighting our walks along with Deep Creek waterfall in full flow. Spring brings native flora, including an array of orchids.

No matter which season you choose to enjoy your Southern Ocean Walk, there'll always be something unique and special to savour.

https://southernoceanwalk.com.au

06/05/2026

Did you know the McLaren Vale Wine Region has over 160 vineyards and 80 cellar doors? Did you know that whale watching season around the Fleurieu coastline is from June to September?

There are so many reasons to visit this area, so if you're joining us on a walk and wondering what else can be added to your itinerary, have a read of our blog article which shares some great suggestions on "Making a great itinerary even better".

https://southernoceanwalk.com.au/making-a-great-itinerary-even-better/